Steve Evans: I pick the Leeds United team

Phil Hay

Steve Evans insisted last night that he was in complete control of “all team matters” after confirming that Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino made half-time appearances in the club’s dressing room at QPR and Charlton.

United’s head coach criticised claims that he was considering his position due to alleged interference and said he had “no issue at all” with Cellino’s actions during a 1-0 defeat at Loftus Road on November 28 and a goalless draw at The Valley on Saturday.

Evans said Cellino “contributed nothing at all in terms of tactics” and claimed the Italian had done no more than “offer encouragement” at the midway point of both matches.

Leeds’ majority shareholder has faced questions about his involvement in team affairs in the past but Evans voiced renewed defence of Cellino – and reiterated his insistence that he would resign if the club’s chairman tried to dictate his decisions.

Asked if Cellino had been present during half-time at QPR and Charlton, Evans said; “Yes, Mr Cellino was there but he contributed nothing at all in terms of our tactics or our decisions about players.

“He basically said nothing apart from shaking my hand and saying ‘come on, coach’. It was a case of him offering encouragement. I’ve no issue at all.

“The bottom line is I’m in charge of all team matters. The day that changes is the day I’ll walk. The president knows that because I’ve told him straight.”